GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Kent County Animal Shelter has made several changes to licensing in order to make it "easier than ever to get your dog license," according to a press release.

In addition to the standard one-year licenses, three-year licenses are now available for Kent County residents. The long-term licenses can be purchased if rabies vaccinations are valid for at least 35 months beyond the purchase date of the 3-year license. If a vaccination is not valid for at least 35 months, a one-year license should be purchased.

License prices vary between licenses, as well as between unsterilized and sterilized dogs. Discounts for senior citizens are available.

"If your dog's rabies shot was updated after you bought your 2013 license, you may need to update your registration with us, to show proof of vaccination and the expiration date," read a statement from Carly Luttmann, Kent County Animal Shelter supervisor.

Dog license expiration is now linked to the month of a dog's rabies vaccination, eliminating confusion with regard to the original seasonal expiration.

According to the release, dog licenses helps get dogs home safe if they become lost and provides funding for animal control in Kent County. Licenses help fund prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect, as well as responding to loose or aggressive dogs.

Michigan law requires that all dogs over the age of four months are licensed and all new dogs are licensed within 30 days. Due to the changeover from the old system of licensing, late fees reportedly will not be charged in 2014.

Jonathan Van Zytveld is a writer for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at jvanzytv@mlive.com, and follow him on Twitter.